UBCO will host two distinguished speakers on April 2 and 3 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
For the first time, UBC Okanagan’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science presents two speakers over two nights as part of its annual Distinguished Speaker Series.
From Molecule to Medicine: How Modern Chemistry is Transforming the Way We Treat Disease
What: UBC Okanagan’s Distinguished Speaker Series—From Molecule to Medicine: How Modern Chemistry is Transforming the Way We Treat Disease
Who: Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Morten Meldal
When: Tuesday, April 2 at 7 pm
Venue: Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St.
“What can I do to fix it?”
It’s a question on the minds of most when a doctor makes a diagnosis, and often the answer is written on a prescription pad.
But for a society that utilizes modern medicine to treat ailments, how often do patients think about the science behind the drug?
Dr. Morten Meldal is a Danish chemist and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. In 2022, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his part in developing a process that turns chemicals into parts that click together like LEGO. The process has been used to create and screen millions of complex chemicals to identify those most suitable for drug development.
In his presentation, Dr. Meldal will discuss how this process is opening new doors in the treatment of infectious and metabolic illnesses like cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how this process is being used to generate new antibiotics to combat ever-changing superbugs commonly found in hospitals.
He’ll also share his inspiring journey to becoming a Nobel Laureate, the importance of serendipity in research, and give his thoughts on how investing in science education today can lead to sounder policy and a better-informed society tomorrow.
Harnessing the Potential of Diversity and Gender Equality in Business
What: UBC Okanagan’s Distinguished Speaker Series—Harnessing the Potential of Diversity and Gender Equality in Business
Who: International businesswoman and angel investor Dr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire
When: Wednesday, April 3 at 7 pm
Venue: Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St.
Diversity is good business.
According to research, large companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are 25 per cent more likely to outperform their non-diverse industry peers financially. That number rises to 36 per cent for ethnically diverse teams.
So why in 2024 are there fewer women in leadership roles, and a gender gap in fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics?
Dr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire is an international business leader and angel investor with more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She has held leadership positions at global companies like Carlsberg Group and Novo Nordisk, and is the founder of the non-profit network based in Denmark Professional Women of Colour.
Recently in North America, instead of embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it appears a backlash has arisen, with some prominent businessmen proclaiming “DEI must DIE.”
Could there be a ripple effect in business across the globe?
In her talk, Dr. St. Hilaire will present the state of DEI in 2024, and offer tips to ensure diversity and gender balance initiatives are effective and beneficial to all of society.
The Distinguished Speaker Series brings compelling speakers to the Okanagan to share their unique perspectives on issues that affect our region, our country and our world. These community events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
To find out more, visit: science.ok.ubc.ca/about/community-engagement/distinguished-speaker-series
